Trenches

Trenches is an survival horror action game played from a first person perspective (FPP). It was developed and published by the one-man Steelkrill Studio. The game was designed for PC and is still being improved since its release on July 21, 2021 on Steam as early access.

Plot

1917. World War I. The main character, James R., is captured and brought to the enemy trenches. Somehow he manages to get free and now wanders around the hostile and strangely deserted area trying to find a way to leave it.

Mechanics

The main idea of the gameplay is to explore the vast, jumpscare-filled area and collect clues to help you get out of the trenches and uncover their many secrets.

Sounds play a huge part in Trenches, and the player's main equipment is a trench whistle, which signals the location of important clues (their location changes with each playthrough). Unfortunately, the sound of the whistle also attracts monsters hunting the protagonist. His location can also be revealed by other sounds, such as creaking boards or the clink of falling bottles. In order to confuse the enemies, the player has to use the hiding places located in the trenches: the walls covered with a sheet or the free space under the beds. You can also try to distract them with interactive objects or slow them down with weapons you've picked up along the way. If one of the enemies still gets him, you'll have to start the game over again.

The character can crouch, poke his head out from behind various objects or run. The last action, however, attracts the attention of monsters, the character also has limited stamina and if he gets tired he won't be able to outrun his enemies. Remembering your path is also of no use, as the environment can change with your mental state.

Technical aspects

Trenches has 3D graphics with subdued colours.